4. The Programs that are on the disks
are software
Software is a general term for
the various kinds of programs
used to operate computers and
related devices.
Software
5. Hardware
Refers to all the physical components of a
computer.
Includes all input devices, processing devices,
storage devices, and output devices.
Examples of hardware are:
o keyboard
o mouse
o motherboard
o monitor
o hard disk
o cables
o printer
6. Look at this picture of a
computer from our
Computer Lab. A
computer is made up of
many parts. Let’s
explore the parts to see
if you know what they
are called!
8. CD-ROM Disk Drive
CD-ROM stands for Compact
Disk-Read Only Memory. They
are flat, shiny disks that store
information. Most new
computers have CD-RW drives.
CD-RW stands for Compact
Disk-ReWrite. This type of
disk allows you to write
information to it, as well as
read from it. Most can hold up
to 700 megabytes of
information.
9. DVD Drive/Burner
The newest computers come with the
option of a DVD drive. A DVD (Digital
Video Disc) looks just like a CD, but holds
much more information! They can store 4.7
gigabytes of data!
10. Flash Drive
A Flash Drive is a
relatively new storage
device. It’s like a mini,
portable hard drive!
You plug it into the
USB (Universal Serial
Bus) port on the front
of newer computers
and you can save to it!
11. How Do Computers Work?
Input--This is when information is entered into a
computer. Some common input devices include
the keyboard, mouse and scanner.
Output--This is the information that comes out
of a computer after it has been processed. The
information comes out on output devices such
as a printer or computer monitor.
Processing--This is when the information is
handled by the computer’s brain, known as the
CPU (Central Processing Unit).
13. The Keyboard
The keyboard is probably
the most used input
device. It operates a lot
like a typewriter, but has
many additional keys that
let it do special things a
typewriter can’t.
15. Special Keyboard Keys
The flashing light on the
computer screen is called the
cursor. This cursor can be
moved up and down or left and
right by pressing the 4 keys
that have arrows on them.
These arrow keys are called
cursor keys.
16. Shift Key
When this key is pressed at the same
time you press a letter key, a capital
letter appears on your screen. When
it is held down when you press a key
with a symbol and number, the top
symbol appears on the computer
screen. There are two shift keys on
your keyboard.
17. The Backspace Key
When this key is pressed, the
cursor moves back one space to the
left on your computer screen. This
key is very helpful when you press
the wrong letter or number. You
can erase your mistakes!
